Student protest for free third level education taking place today in Dublin

Up to 5,000 people are due to take part in a protest today calling for free third level education.

The Union of Students in Ireland is organising the march to Government Buildings in Dublin.

It opposes the introduction of a student loan scheme - one of three options being considered by the government.

USI President Annie Hoey says publicly funded third level education is the better option: "In the 70s it was quite a big political decision to make second level education pubically funded and accessible to anyone who wants it.

"So publically funded education is not pie in the skie, it is an option that is laid out in the report and it is a matter of political will whether the Government go down this particular route."

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